Two County Libraries to Bring Mental Health Awareness
Libraries Host Behavioral Health Awareness Galleries During May Mental Health Month.The collaborative event aims to foster support and offer mental health and substance use treatment resources for community members in need.
In recognition of May as Mental Health Month — and for the third year in a row — the San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Department is partnering with three local Libraries to bring awareness around mental health and substance use disorders.
The self-led “Awareness Galleries” are open free to the public at the Atascadero and San Luis Obispo Libraries during the month of May.
County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Director Dr. Star Graber, PhD., LMFT, emphasized the initiative’s importance: “We believe that accessible, stigma-free resources can make a lasting impact. By bringing these galleries to community libraries, we’re meeting people where they are, creating
opportunities for education, empathy, and ultimately, healing.”
The exhibits are designed to educate the public on managing mental wellness, as well as to provide information on alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use. The galleries will also offer information on how to recognize signs of overdose and direct viewers to obtain free Naloxone to help prevent overdose. The Atascadero and San Luis Obispo Libraries offer free Naloxone to community members through the SLO County NaloxBox Program.
The free, interactive galleries run through May 30 and are available in English and Spanish. For more information about behavioral health resources and services, go to slobehavioralhealth.org. For more information about SLO County Libraries, go to www.slolibrary.org.
Fire Hazard Inspections Underway
CAL Fire South Bay – Station 15 and the Los Osos Community Services District advises Los Osos residents and property owners that the Annual Fire Hazard Abatement deadline has past, but it is important to get it done, if you missed the May 1 date.
All properties within the District boundaries containing hazardous vegetation and other flammable materials, that constitute a public nuisance, shall be abated as per Los Osos CSD Fire Code, Health and Safety Code and Public Resources Code. Hazardous weeds are defined by the California Health and Safety Code Section 14875, as dry grass, brush, poison oak, litter, or other flammable material that create a fire hazard.
The acceptable methods of fire hazard reductions are:
• To mow grasses and small shrubs to a height of not more than 4-inches.
• To cut dead brush and thin brush patches and remove it by hauling or chipping over a scattered area.
• To haul other flammable debris, and trash to a landfill.
After a rainy season there is a lot of new hazardous growth. Inspections are underway, so be sure to abate to help protect our community from a wildfire.
State Grants Available to Reduce Illegal Tobacco Sales
California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) is now accepting proposals for the 2025-2026 Tobacco Grant Program, which will provide approximately $28.5 million in grant funding to eligible local agencies. The program aims to reduce the illegal sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to our youth.
Any local public agency within the State of California that has authority to enforce tobacco-related state laws or local ordinances related to retail tobacco sales and marketing is eligible to apply. This may include police and sheriffs’ departments, district and city attorneys and county counsels, public health departments, cities, counties, and public school/college districts.
“The reality is that, especially in recent years, companies have been aggressively going after our young people and attempting to turn as many of them as possible into regular customers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I encourage local agencies to apply to the Tobacco Grant Program — it is a critical tool that allows us to collaborate and hold accountable those companies and individuals who violate our laws around tobacco products.”
The Tobacco Grant Program is a reimbursement grant. submissions must be received by June 20, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
Since its inception in 2017, the Tobacco Grant Program has distributed approximately $212 million in grant funding through a competitive process. The application can be viewed at bit.ly/4jDWpEk.
Stroke Awareness Month
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and Dignity Health Central Coast is sharing knowledge and resources needed to help save lives. Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability, but early recognition and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Be aware of stroke risk factors and prevention and as well at “B.E. F.A.S.T.” acronym, which is a simple tool for recognizing stroke symptoms:
Balance: Sudden loss of balance
Eyes: Sudden vision changes
Face: Facial drooping
Arm: Arm weakness
Speech: Speech difficulty
Time: Time to call 911
Stroke treatments are most effective within the first few hours after symptoms start. Every minute counts.
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